State NET television said that his condition was not serious, but doctors have recommended he remain in hospital for two or three days. The prime minister's office said an announcement from the hospital was expected shortly.

Mr Rapanos, 65, was to be sworn in to his new post tonight. The rest of the Cabinet of Greece's new three-party coalition government was sworn in yesterday.

But the ceremony for Mr Rapanos was delayed so that outgoing Finance Minister Giorgos Zanias could represent Greece at a Eurozone finance ministers' meeting in Luxembourg.